The following are criteria for the essay.

Summarize the argument carefully and clearly.
Show that you are a critical reader who is analytic, open-minded, and focused on the facts.
Show that you are questioning, skeptical, creative, and intellectually active.
Identify the writer’s thesis. How is it developed and supported?
Create a thesis that answers the question – is this argument persuasive? Why or why not? (You can simply state: “This argument is persuasive because…)
Analyze the tone.
Include a paragraph in which you analyze the author’s audience and purpose.
Examine words and/or phrases for connotation.
The essay should contain well-developed paragraphs with topic sentences and examples.
The essay must be well organized with and introduction, body, and conclusion that are focused and clear.